By the time he finished, Beck had made three trips to the waffle maker, and the table was littered with empty plates and coffee mugs.
Everett glanced at Beck before focusing on me. “You’re more than welcome to tour my lab. To be honest, I’d love it if we could collaborate. We can never publish our findings, but you’d be making real contributions to our understanding of our species. Bear Cove isn’t just theory. It’s a community hovering on the edge of extinction. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited at the prospect of working alongside someone with your expertise.”
My stomach fluttered. Everett offered me what I’d always wanted: a chance to perform groundbreaking research that made a difference.
“I’ll take you up on that tour,” I said.
A smile spread over Everett’s face. “Good. And you can meet my mate, Skyler. She’ll be over the moon to have another woman in Bear Cove.”
Except I hadn’t agreed to stay. Not yet.
Beck took my hand. “Are you up for meeting the rest of the clan? I’ll take you in those zones you wanted to visit.”
Apprehension joined the excitement in my gut. Finally, I’d see the areas he tried to hide. But now, he wasn’t helping me with research. He was introducing me to his people. Showing me what kind of life I could expect as his mate.
“I’d like that,” I said, pushing the nerves aside.
Beck’s smile climbed into his eyes, turning them pewter. “Then let’s get you acquainted with the real Bear Cove.”
Chapter
Twelve
BECK
Iled Charlotte down the trail that wound through the heart of clan territory.
Cabins were tucked deep in the woods, the structures hidden from casual hikers and prying eyes. The bed and breakfast and the rest of main street were just window dressing.Thiswas the real Bear Cove.
Charlotte radiated curiosity as we moved through the forest. She kept pace with me easily, the snow posing no obstacle as she drank in the scenery. I’d insisted on loaning her one of my thickest coats. She’d rolled the sleeves four times, and the hem hung well past her knees. Even bundled up, she was gorgeous, the sun putting specks of garnet in her hair.
“I haven’t seen anyone,” she said, pitching her voice low. Disappointment laced her tone.
Amusement stirred in my chest. I’d worried she might react poorly to learning magic was real. I should have known she’d immediately demand to learn everything there was to know about the supernatural.
“My brothers know we’re here,” I said. “I told them to keep their distance. I didn’t want you to feel overwhelmed.”
She gave me an assessing look. “Do they always do what you tell them?”
“More or less.”
“Because you’re the alpha.”
I took her elbow as we approached a fallen log. “It’s not as authoritarian as it sounds. I don’t just issue orders and expect everyone to fall in line.” I pointed. “Watch that root.”
She let me help her over the log. And she offered a smile that went straight to my groin. “I have to admit, it’s hard to imagine a man who makes perfect waffles acting like a dictator.”
I snorted. But my amusement quickly faded, memories of Rex stirring. “Historically, alphas who adopt less democratic forms of leadership end their tenure in violence. When I have to make a major decision that affects the whole clan, I call a meet. Everyone gets a voice, and then we vote.”
Charlotte’s smile softened, and admiration touched her gaze. “It sounds peaceful.”
“I wouldn’t want to lead any other way. I value my brothers’ opinions. They trust me to guide them, and I trust them to tell me when I’m wrong.”
“Does that happen often?”
My amusement returned. “All the time. Cal never hesitates to call me out for being an idiot.”
Charlotte laughed. “From what I know of him, that sounds very in character.”
